A lawsuit filed by NCsoft against Bluehole Studio seeks to prevent the planned launch of TERA, Bluehole's upcoming MMORPG, reports MMO Culture (thanks Rock, Paper, Shotgun). There's a post on the TERA Forums saying "It's our policy not to comment on legal matters," and here's word on the lawsuit explaining that NCsoft is alleging theft of trade secrets:

The current lawsuit claims that the U.S. version of Tera makes use of NCsoft's trade secrets, including documents, source code, artwork and know-how related to the development on Lineage 3, and copyrighted works, including concept art created for Lineage 3.

It also asserts claims of breach of confidence, unfair competition and unjust enrichment.

The suit seeks temporary and permanent injunctions blocking the release of Tera in the U.S., as well as enhanced damages for Bluehole's alleged misconduct.

Agent.X7 wrote on Jan 26, 2012, 22:17:Their claims have already been verified in a court in Korea. Former NCSoft employees stole data and left Lineage 3 to develop Tera. Those former employees were convicted in criminal cases and also lost civil cases.

Well that sucks. The law is based on precedence, thus if they have been convicted in Korea, then you can all but be assured this is going to go well for NC Soft, as they are going to throw the Korean victory in Bluehole's face.

You would be a FOOL to pre-order this game now!

Agent.X7 wrote on Jan 26, 2012, 22:17:Both cases are on appeal, but Bluehole went ahead and launched Tera anyway. They are trying to make bucks while playing the court system.

Yea, looks like Bluehole knows they are going to have a rough time with the court case, and are trying to cash in now while they can... Or they are so incredibly arrogant, to think they can win.

Either way, I wouldn't gamble on this game. I would suck to spend a lot of money on pre-orders and game cards, only to have NC Soft pull the plug on your game, with no way to get your money back.

DON'T risk your money! I'd wait and see what happens with the court case. The pre-order virtual trinkets and mount are worth squat, if you can't play the game.